Chapter 13 Capital Budgeting Techniques After studying Chapter

After studying Chapter 13, you should be able to: Understand the payback period (PBP) method of project evaluation and selection, including its: (a) calculation; (b) acceptance criterion; (c) advantages and disadvantages; and (d) focus on liquidity rather than profitability. Understand the three major discounted cash flow (DCF) methods of project evaluation and selection – internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV), and profitability index (PI). Explain the calculation, acceptance criterion, and advantages (over the PBP method) for each of the three major DCF methods. Define, construct, and interpret a graph called an “NPV profile.” Understand why ranking project proposals on the basis of IRR, NPV, and PI methods “may” lead to conflicts in ranking. Describe the situations where ranking projects may be necessary and justify when to use either IRR, NPV, or PI rankings. Understand how “sensitivity analysis” allows us to challenge the single-point input estimates used in traditional capital budgeting analysis. Explain the role and process of project monitoring, including “progress reviews” and “post-completion audits.”

Proposed Project Data Julie Miller is evaluating a new project for her firm, (BMW). She has determined that the after-tax cash flows for the project will be $10,000; $12,000; $15,000; $10,000; and $7,000, respectively, for each of the Years 1 through 5. The initial cash outlay will be $40,000.

Independent Project Independent -- A project whose acceptance (or rejection) does not prevent the acceptance of other projects under consideration. For this project, assume that it is independent of any other potential projects that Basket Wonders may undertake.

PBP Acceptance Criterion Yes! The firm will receive back the initial cash outlay in less than 3.5 years. [3.3 Years < 3.5 Year Max.] The management of Basket Wonders has set a maximum PBP of 3.5 years for projects of this type. Should this project be accepted?

PBP Strengths and Weaknesses Strengths: Easy to use and understand Can be used as a measure of liquidity Easier to forecast ST than LT flows Weaknesses: Does not account for TVM Does not consider cash flows beyond the PBP Cutoff period is subjective

IRR Acceptance Criterion No! The firm will receive 11.57% for each dollar invested in this project at a cost of 13%. [ IRR < Hurdle Rate ] The management of Basket Wonders has determined that the hurdle rate is 13% for projects of this type. Should this project be accepted?

IRR Strengths and Weaknesses Strengths: Accounts for TVM Considers all cash flows Less subjectivity Weaknesses: Assumes all cash flows reinvested at the IRR Difficulties with project rankings and Multiple IRRs

NPV Acceptance Criterion No! The NPV is negative. This means that the project is reducing shareholder wealth. [Reject as NPV < 0 ] The management of Basket Wonders has determined that the required rate is 13% for projects of this type. Should this project be accepted?

NPV Strengths and Weaknesses Strengths: Cash flows assumed to be reinvested at the hurdle rate. Accounts for TVM. Considers all cash flows. Weaknesses: May not include managerial options embedded in the project. See Chapter 14.

PI Acceptance Criterion No! The PI is less than 1.00. This means that the project is not profitable. [Reject as PI < 1.00 ] PI = $38,572 / $40,000 = .9643 (Method #1, 13-34) Should this project be accepted?

PI Strengths and Weaknesses Strengths: Same as NPV Allows comparison of different scale projects Weaknesses: Same as NPV Provides only relative profitability Potential Ranking Problems

Evaluation Summary Basket Wonders Independent Project

Other Project Relationships Mutually Exclusive -- A project whose acceptance precludes the acceptance of one or more alternative projects. Dependent -- A project whose acceptance depends on the acceptance of one or more other projects.

Capital Rationing Capital Rationing occurs when a constraint (or budget ceiling) is placed on the total size of capital expenditures during a particular period. Example: Julie Miller must determine what investment opportunities to undertake for Basket Wonders (BW). She is limited to a maximum expenditure of $32,500 only for this capital budgeting period.

Single-Point Estimate and Sensitivity Analysis Allows us to change from “single-point” (i.e., revenue, installation cost, salvage, etc.) estimates to a “what if” analysis Utilize a “base-case” to compare the impact of individual variable changes E.g., Change forecasted sales units to see impact on the project’s NPV Sensitivity Analysis: A type of “what-if” uncertainty analysis in which variables or assumptions are changed from a base case in order to determine their impact on a project’s measured results (such as NPV or IRR).

Post-Completion Audit Post-completion Audit A formal comparison of the actual costs and benefits of a project with original estimates. Identify any project weaknesses Develop a possible set of corrective actions Provide appropriate feedback Result: Making better future decisions!

Multiple IRR Problem* Two!! There are as many potential IRRs as there are sign changes. Let us assume the following cash flow pattern for a project for Years 0 to 4: -$100 +$100 +$900 -$1,000 How many potential IRRs could this project have? * Refer to Appendix A

Modiefied rate of return The modified internal rate of return (MIRR) is a financial measure of an investment's attractiveness. It is used in capital budgeting to rank alternative investments of equal size. As the name implies, MIRR is a modification of the internal rate of return (IRR) and as such aims to resolve some problems with the IRR.